DMK Govt’s Sattai Duraimurugan Arrest Backfires, Alleged “Defamatory” Song About Karunanidhi Becomes Viral Meme Stuff

After the arrest of Sattai Duraimurugan, the  the policy outreach / propaganda secretary, in Courtallam on 11 July 2024, netizens criticized the DMK government for stifling freedom of speech. They also shared the song that led to Duraimurugan’s arrest, demonstrating solidarity with the idea that criticism is inherent in a democratic society.

Sattai Duraimurugan was arrested for making critical remarks against the Tamil Nadu government and referring to a song that ridiculed former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, during the final phase of election campaigning in Vikravandi.

The complaint was lodged by Arun, the district organizer of DMK IT Wing in Trichy district, resulting in a case being registered against him by the district cybercrime police under multiple sections.

Upon being presented before Trichy District Judge Swaminathan, Sattai Duraimurugan faced charges under various sections, including the Prevention of Atrocities Act. The police had requested 15 days of judicial custody, which the judge declined, leading to Sattai Duraimurugan’s release.

The DMK, expecting the arrest to quell criticism, instead saw the situation escalate, with a song about Karunanidhi becoming a fodder for memes. Even those unfamiliar with the song quickly became aware of it as it spread across the internet, gaining continuous sharing and engagement.

Social media users expressed their protest against Sattai Duraimurugan’s arrest using hashtags like #சதிகாரன்_கருணாநிதி and #கள்ளத்தனக்கருணாநிதி, sharing the song that allegedly tarnishes the “reputation” of Karunanidhi.

The song quickly gained political traction with many digging out the failures of Karunanidhi’s rule.

 

 

It is to be noted, Sattai Duraimurugan, NTK functionary, has been arrested for the second time in a row. His previous arrest stemmed from accusations of criticizing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. However, the Supreme Court intervened, granting him bail and criticizing the government in the process.

Previously, on 8 April 2024, the Supreme Court reinstated the bail granted to YouTuber Sattai Duraimurugan, who faces allegations related to derogatory comments about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The court sharply noted, “If we start jailing everyone who makes allegations on YouTube before elections, the number of people incarcerated would be considerable.”

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